A Master of Business Administration (MBA) introduces students to various areas of business including finance, human resources, operations management, marketing, and accounting. Students earning an MBA in accounting focus their degree in the specialized field of accounting by taking additional accounting courses. Full-time MBA programs take approximately two years to complete and require 60 credit hours of graduate work.

MBA Format

MBA programs are offered both online and in traditional classrooms at colleges and universities across the nation. The prerequisites for MBA programs are typically a bachelor’s degree, a good GPA, strong GMAT or GRE scores, and at least two letters of reference. Students also have the option to complete MBA coursework on a part-time basis on evenings and weekends so that they can continue working while pursuing their degree. Accelerated accounting MBA programs have a higher course load and more intensive schedule, so they only take around one year to complete.

Accounting concentrations provides MBA students with a thorough understanding of financial and management accounting. MBA programs are ideal for people who are already working in the accounting field and want to further their careers or for individuals who need to earn the academic credits required to meet CPA licensing requirements and sit for the CPA exam.

Accounting MBA Curriculum

MBA programs in accounting integrate accounting theory and practice with management and leadership skills that are valuable in the global marketplace. Students gain experience in corporate-level communication and presentation, business analysis training, and business administration. Beyond core MBA classes, students earning an MBA in accounting may be required to take the following courses, among others:

Financial accounting

Managerial accounting

Financial statement analysis

Corporate financial reporting

Strategic cost management

MBA Career Prospects

An MBA drives business value by providing graduates with an in-depth understanding of accounting. Job opportunities for MBA degree holders are available in public, private, government, and non-profit organizations. Potential job titles include accountant, accounting manager, comptroller, and accounting consultant.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, stricter laws and regulations in the financial sector will increase the demand for accounting services. From 2010 to 2020, the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16%. In 2012, the median annual salary for accountants was $63,550, while the top 10% earned more than $111,510. Accountants with a CPA license typically have the best job prospects, but an MBA with a concentration in accounting may also give candidates a competitive edge in the job market.

MBA holders often advance to senior-level management positions. In fact, many top executives have a background in accounting, internal auditing or finance. The BLS reports that top executives are among the highest paid workers in the United States and earned a median annual wage of $168,140 in 2012. MBA programs with an accounting concentration provide good preparation for those planning to pursue management careers in corporate finance, treasury, private equity, investment banking, hedge funds, and trading.

A strong foundation in finance and accounting equips graduates with the skills needed to succeed in the modern business world. Learn to make effective business decisions that improve an organization’s financial position by pursuing an MBA in accounting today.